DHS: Two Wisconsin teens would ‘still be alive’ if not for sanctuary policies protecting illegal immigrant

An illegal alien from Honduras faces deportation after allegedly driving while intoxicated and crashing, killing two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, who was charged in the deaths of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson and 19-year-old Brady Heiling.

“Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling had their whole lives ahead of them—and they would still be alive today if it weren’t for Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila—a criminal illegal alien from Honduras,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “Martinez-Avila recklessly drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated and killed these two teens.

“ICE has lodged an arrest detainer to remove this public safety threat from the U.S.,” she continued. “Unfortunately, this sanctuary jurisdiction has a history of not honoring ICE arrest detainers often leading to the release of murderers and other heinous criminals. Under Secretary Noem, these precious victims will not be forgotten, and we will fight for justice.” 

DHS said ICE lodged a detainer for Martinez-Avila’s arrest and removal from the U.S., noting that Dane County has historically not honored ICE detainers because of sanctuary jurisdiction policies.